Structural BioComposites (SBC) of Rotterdam, New York, is a startup that’s developing tree-free alternatives to traditional forest service products. Founder T.J. Fiala believes that his company’s products could revolutionize the construction industry and help reduce global deforestation. SBC’s industrial hemp lumber (IHL) will consist of a suite of engineering composite products ranging from traditional sheet goods to high-performance structural members for buildings.
Currently, SBC is developing a product called HemPLY that can be used instead of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) for applications such as roof decking, subflooring, and wall sheathing. HemPLY will integrate seamlessly with standard construction materials and support the use of traditional carpentry tools. Compared to traditional plywood or OSB, HemPLY is stronger, more uniform, and more fire resistant. It’s also impervious to fungus and insects.